Hearing and Vision Aids

This list includes items to assist those with low vision or difficulty hearing. Included in this collection are iPads preloaded with apps to aid those with low or no vision, listening devices, various magnifiers, and portable CCTVs. A CCTV (closed-circuit television) uses a video camera to project a magnified image onto a TV screen and can help those with visual impairments accomplish many daily tasks. This collection gives you the opportunity to look over and try some of the devices available.
To borrow these devices from the Kershaw County Library catalog, please follow the links provided for each device. For questions or assistance with the borrowing process, including placing holds or all other borrowing policies, please contact the library directly.
Also included in this list are links to the vendor sites.

Pocketalker Personal Amplifier

The Pocketalker® 2.0 amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. Ideal for one-on-one conversation, small-group, and television listening, or conversing in the car. Use with or without hearing aids. Simply plug in your earpiece, position the microphone near the preferred sound, adjust the volume to your comfort – and start listening.
Suitable for those with difficulty hearing.

ILuv SmartShaker Wireless Alarm

Reinecker CCTV Mezzo Vario

Experience visual comfort while reading with mezzo. Its clear, full HD+ display with 18x optical zoom ensures clear magnification of print, photos, diagrams, illustrations and more from approximately 1x – 100x. mezzo will quickly auto focus with an amazing depth of field. Select full color or one of several text/background display selections for best contrast, and adjust the brightness level to accommodate your vision condition.

Ruby 4.3" Handheld Video Magnifier

The RUBY® is easy to use, with large buttons that are easy to see and feel, and a large handle that is easy to grasp. Magnification ranges from 2X to 14X with the handle extended and 5X to 10X when flat on a table.
Designed for those with low vision.

Snow 7" Handheld Video Magnifier

Snow 7 HD offers the real-time crisp image on the ergonomically settled widescreen. With its small book size and only 16.93 ounces, it can be taken and used to read anywhere.
Designed for those with low vision.

Candy 4 HD Video Magnifier

CANDY 4 HD II is a lightweight handheld video magnifier with a sharp high-contrast image that you can conveniently carry with you in your jacket or purse wherever you go. Continuous zoom magnification from 2x – 20x, easy-to-find controls and user-customizable text and background color combinations make CANDY 4 HD II the perfect companion for students, seniors, and others with low vision.

Smartlux Magnifier

The SmartLux Digital is a revolutionary, portable video magnifier that has a multitude of features, all for a very economical price.The large 5" LCD TFT display provides 5x, 7x, 9x, or 12x magnification (even less when used in hand-held mode) along with 5 different viewing modes that include full color, black on white, white on black, black on yellow, and yellow on black. Illumination is provided by 2 hi-tech SMD LEDs and the tactile control buttons are easy to understand and use. Images can be captured and up to 20 can be stored.

Pebble Mini

Pebble-mini’s ultra-compact design makes it the ideal hand-held magnifier whether you’re at home or on the go. Easily read prescriptions, mail, labels, price tags, menus and so much more. Wear Pebble-mini around your neck or carry it in your pocket or purse – the only time you’ll know it’s there is when you need it!

Combination Bookstand/Magnifier

This combination bookstand with a 2X magnifier is composed of durable lightweight plastic. The 2X magnifier enlarges the text, while it is supported at an angle that is best for your viewing position.
Designed for those with low vision.

Easy Pocket Magnifier 3X

Magnification and illumination in a credit card format, the ideal size for any pocket. Provides a brilliant image and very bright illumination when you slide the lens out of its case. Ultra flat and lightweight design; compact case ensures safe storage. Very economical, as the light is only switched on when you slide the lens fully out of its case. The LED light does not require changing. The tiny, extremely bright LED light used by ESCHENBACH has a service life which is virtually unlimited.

4.5X LED Lighted Magnifier

This 4.5X Carson® Magniline™ bar magnifier measures 3-3/4 inches in reading length and offers a 10X 1/2 inch spot lens for extra magnification for low vision individuals. This handheld magnifier has LED lighting that extends over the entire magnifying area. The 4.5X magnification is achieved by holding this bar above what you are reading, if it is resting on your reading or viewing material the lens is 2X.

Bar Magnifier

When trying to decipher very small print, you can put this 1.5" wide, solid high quality acrylic bar reading magnifier on the page and all of a sudden, the print is visible. The bar is tinted yellow because it causes the black letters to stand out better, making it an ideal product for the visually impaired.

iPad Pre-loaded with Vision Apps

This iPad comes pre-loaded with three apps that are designed to help those who are blind or visually impaired. These apps are:

The KNFB Reader: harnessing the power of digital photography coupled with state of the art hardware, this highly praised app, tailored to the specific needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, makes access to print materials faster and more efficient than ever. Available for iOS and Android.

The Text Grabber App: ABBYY TextGrabber easily and quickly scans, translates and saves your chosen text or QR-codes from virtually any printed material. Simply take a picture of the text on 60+ languages or QR-codes and immediately edit, hear it spoken aloud via VoiceOver, translate it into 100+ languages, send your text by SMS or e-mail, or share it quickly on Facebook, Twitter or Evernote. Available for iOS and Android.

Slinkyware: VisionAssist will provide magnification and enable you to improve the contrast to help you read or see what you want to read. Available for iOS only.